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WO1999011323A1 - Light diffusing device for photodynamic treatment of organs - Google Patents

Light diffusing device for photodynamic treatment of organs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999011323A1
WO1999011323A1 PCT/CH1998/000371 CH9800371W WO9911323A1 WO 1999011323 A1 WO1999011323 A1 WO 1999011323A1 CH 9800371 W CH9800371 W CH 9800371W WO 9911323 A1 WO9911323 A1 WO 9911323A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
diffusing
light
fiber
sheath
section
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CH1998/000371
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Patrick Thielen
Alain Woodtli
Original Assignee
Medlight S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Medlight S.A. filed Critical Medlight S.A.
Priority to EP98939460A priority Critical patent/EP0935485B1/en
Priority to DE69831211T priority patent/DE69831211T2/en
Priority to US09/297,360 priority patent/US6315775B1/en
Publication of WO1999011323A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999011323A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
    • A61N5/062—Photodynamic therapy, i.e. excitation of an agent
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N5/0601—Apparatus for use inside the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2255—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips
    • A61B2018/2261—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips with scattering, diffusion or dispersion of light

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a light diffusing device which can be used in particular for the irradiation of biological tissues in the context of a photodynamic treatment, this diffuser comprising a light conductor, in particular an optical fiber having an end section exposed up to 'at the core, this end section being surrounded by at least one layer of a diffusing substance having properties for diffusing the light circulating in said light conductor.
  • the technique currently used consists in injecting, intravenously, a sensitizer which is preferably localized in neoplastic tissues.
  • a sensitizer which is preferably localized in neoplastic tissues.
  • the portion of diseased tissue containing the photosensitizer is then irradiated with light, the wavelength of which is determined as a function of the photosensitizer injected.
  • This light activates the photosensitizer and induces a chemical reaction which destroys the cells.
  • This irradiation is done using flexible diffusers guiding light generally coming from a laser source and diffusing this light in the organ to be treated in a controlled manner.
  • the intensity of the light emitted by the diffuser must be uniform over the entire surface to be treated to avoid the problems associated with over-exposure or under-exposure. Overexposure caused by strong light energy can cause damage to the underlying healthy tissue as well as local heating. Underexposure can lead to a recurrence of the disease if certain cells are not killed by the treatment. Diffusers of this type are already known, in particular the light diffuser described by American patent US-A-5, 536,265. This diffuser comprises an optical fiber, one end section of which has been stripped to the core, a first layer of a transparent elastic substance, a second layer of a material having light scattering properties, this assembly being contained. in a transparent tubular part constituting a protective sheath.
  • this diffuser is of complex construction.
  • the end section of the optical fiber which has a length of up to ten centimeters for a diameter of a few hundred microns, is extremely difficult to center inside the tubular part because of the flexibility of these two elements. Therefore, the second layer made of a material having diffusing properties is irregular around the core of the stripped fiber which constitutes this end section.
  • the diffusing properties are linked in particular to the thickness of diffusing material surrounding the core.
  • the diffusing particles are distributed in a homogeneous manner and that the thickness of the diffusing layer is constant.
  • the present invention proposes to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by offering a diffuser device meeting this goal and the construction of which is simplified.
  • the device according to the invention is characterized in that said layer of light-diffusing substance consists of a part prefabricated tubular having walls of constant thickness, in which is engaged said end section of the fiber.
  • said tubular part is made of a thermoformable material in which are incorporated diffusing particles having the property of diffusing light, these particles being distributed homogeneously in said thermoformable material.
  • it comprises a layer of transparent material disposed between the outer wall of the end section and the inner wall of the tubular part.
  • the device may include at its distal end a mirror arranged to return the light exiting through the end surface of the fiber section into the fiber.
  • the tubular part is preferably obtained by extrusion of a very long tubular segment of thermoformable material containing diffusing particles, and by cutting a section of predetermined length.
  • the tubular part having diffusion properties advantageously forms the outer protective sheath of the section of optical fiber.
  • the end of the diffuser device 10 consists of the end section of an optical fiber 11, formed of a core 11a surrounded by a mantle 11b, housed in a tubular piece forming a sheath 12.
  • This section of the fiber 11 is held in position in the sheath 12 by a layer of a material 13 disposed between the outer wall 14 of the fiber section 11 and the inner wall 15 of the sheath 12.
  • a mirror 16 housed in the sheath 12 is pressed against the end surface 17 of the fiber section 11 and forms the distal end of the diffuser 10.
  • this diffuser 10 To manufacture this diffuser 10, a first step is carried out which consists in destroying the mantle 11b of the fiber 11 over a length L corresponding to the length of the diffusing part of the diffuser 10, in order to allow a part of the light to escape out of the fiber core. When this part of the mantle has been removed, the part of the core 11a thus stripped is made rough.
  • the method used must allow the roughness to be controlled so that the quantity of light which thus escapes from the core 11a of the fiber over the length L corresponds to the desired profile.
  • the stripped fiber section 11 is threaded into an outer sheath 12.
  • This sheath is on the one hand intended to protect the fiber from the action of external agents, such as the chemicals used for the disinfection of the diffuser before and after its use, and mechanical shocks which can occur during handling, and on the other hand, to homogenize the angular distribution of the light escaping from the rough part of the fiber and which obeys the phenomena of diffraction and refraction.
  • the sheath is made of a thermoplastic material in which particles of a diffusing substance are embedded, said particles having the aim of diffracting and / or refracting the light emitted by the fiber section 11 and making it homogeneous.
  • the substance used is for example titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) which is incorporated into the thermoplastic material in an amount of about 1%.
  • TiO 2 titanium dioxide
  • the mixture of the diffusing substance and the thermoplastic material can be prepared in relatively large quantities and industrially in order to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the particles. This mixture is then extruded and a segment of long length of sheath is thermoformed in a manner known per se.
  • the sheath 12 thus obtained has a constant thickness of diffusing material and can be produced with great precision.
  • Sheath sections which can be used for making diffusing devices are cut from the very long segment, which also makes it possible to guarantee consistency in the optical characteristics of the sections thus obtained.
  • the fiber 11 is held in the sheath 12 using a layer 13 of a transparent connecting material introduced between the outer wall 14 of the fiber section 11 and the inner wall 15 of the sheath 12.
  • the material generally used is transparent silicone rubber because it has excellent optical transmission. Its refractive index is lower than that of the core of the fiber and its mechanical qualities are well known. However, the use of any other transparent flexible material with a low refractive index can be considered.
  • the thickness of layer 13 is not a key factor in the production of the diffuser according to the invention because a thickness of approximately 630 nm is sufficient to guarantee the desired waveguide effect. Thanks to its low refractive index, this layer acts as a mantle for the core 11 exposed from the end section of the fiber 11.
  • the mirror 16 the reflecting face of which is pressed against the end surface 17 of the fiber section 11, makes it possible to limit the losses of light at the end of the fiber by returning the light exiting through said surface d into the diffusing part. end 17.
  • the advantage of the diffuser thus obtained compared to that which is the subject of the American patent cited in the preamble is that the thickness of the diffusing material is always constant because the manufacture of a sheath by extrusion of a thermoplastic material is indeed mastered.
  • the thickness of diffusing material depends on the centering of the fiber in the outer sheath, which is very difficult to control, since the fiber and the outer sheath are flexible and the centering must be obtained over a length of up to 10 cm.
  • the probability that the fiber touches the outer sheath at a point is high, which has the consequence of having a very low thickness of diffusing material at this point of contact, and therefore less good diffusion of light.
  • the centering of the fiber in the sheath is not critical since the thickness of the transparent layer 13 does not significantly influence the distribution of light.
  • the construction of this diffuser is simplified because the sheath 12, which is obtained in a standard manner, serves as an external protective sheath while being diffusing and thus allows the removal of an intermediate layer.
  • the sheath is directly thermoformed around the fiber. Provision may also be made to replace the layer of transparent material with a layer of air and to fix the fiber in the sheath only with glue dots regularly spaced on the inner wall of the sheath.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a diffusing device (10) comprising a light conductor, in particular an optical fibre (11) formed by a core (11a) enclosed with a shell (11b), having an end section exposed up to the core housed in a tubular part forming a sheath (12) with properties for diffusing the light circulating in the light conductor. Said fibre section (11) is maintained in position in the sheath (12) by a transparent material layer (13) arranged between the fibre section (11) outer wall (14) and the sheath (12) inner wall (15). Said sheath (11) prefabricated by extrusion from a thermoforming material wherein are incorporated diffusing particles, said particles being distributed homogeneously in the thermoforming material. A mirror (16) housed in the sheath (12) is pressed against the fibre section (11) end surface (17) and forms the diffuser (10) distal end.

Description

DISPOSITIF DIFFUSEUR DE LUMIERE POUR LE TRAITEMENT PHOTODYNAMIQUE D'ORGANESLIGHT DIFFUSER DEVICE FOR PHOTODYNAMIC TREATMENT OF ORGANS
Domaine technique La présente invention concerne un dispositif diffuseur de lumière utilisable notamment pour l'irradiation de tissus biologiques dans le cadre d'un traitement photodynamique, ce diffuseur comportant un conducteur de lumière, en particulier une fibre optique ayant un tronçon d'extrémité dénudé jusqu'au coeur, ce tronçon d'extrémité étant entouré d'au moins une couche d'une substance diffusante ayant des propriétés de diffusion de la lumière circulant dans ledit conducteur de lumière.Technical Field The present invention relates to a light diffusing device which can be used in particular for the irradiation of biological tissues in the context of a photodynamic treatment, this diffuser comprising a light conductor, in particular an optical fiber having an end section exposed up to 'at the core, this end section being surrounded by at least one layer of a diffusing substance having properties for diffusing the light circulating in said light conductor.
Technique antérieurePrior art
Dans le cadre du traitement photodynamique des lésions cancéreuses superficielles ou d'autres affections pathologiques d'organes du corps humain, la technique actuellement utilisée consiste à injecter, par voie intraveineuse, un sensibilisateur qui se localise de préférence dans les tissus néoplastiques. La portion de tissus malade contenant le photosensibilisateur est ensuite irradiée avec une lumière dont la longueur d'onde est déterminée en fonction du photosensibilisateur injecté. Cette lumière active le photosensibilisateur et induit une réaction chimique qui détruit les cellules. Cette irradiation se fait à l'aide de diffuseurs souples guidant de la lumière provenant généralement d'une source laser et diffusant cette lumière dans l'organe à traiter de façon contrôlée. L'intensité de la lumière émise par le diffuseur doit être homogène sur toute la surface à traiter pour éviter les problèmes liés à une surexposition ou à une sous-exposition. Une surexposition provoquée par une forte énergie lumineuse peut produire des dommages aux tissus sains sous-jacents ainsi qu'un échauffement local. Une sous-exposition peut conduire à une récidive de la maladie si certaines cellules ne sont pas tuées par le traitement. On connaît déjà des diffuseurs de ce type, notamment le diffuseur de lumière décrit par le brevet américain US-A-5, 536,265. Ce diffuseur comporte une fibre optique dont un tronçon d'extrémité a été dénudé jusqu'au coeur, une première couche d'une substance élastique transparente, une deuxième couche d'un matériau ayant des propriétés de diffusion de la lumière, cet ensemble étant contenu dans une pièce tubulaire transparente constituant une gaine de protection.In the context of photodynamic treatment of superficial cancer lesions or other pathological conditions of organs of the human body, the technique currently used consists in injecting, intravenously, a sensitizer which is preferably localized in neoplastic tissues. The portion of diseased tissue containing the photosensitizer is then irradiated with light, the wavelength of which is determined as a function of the photosensitizer injected. This light activates the photosensitizer and induces a chemical reaction which destroys the cells. This irradiation is done using flexible diffusers guiding light generally coming from a laser source and diffusing this light in the organ to be treated in a controlled manner. The intensity of the light emitted by the diffuser must be uniform over the entire surface to be treated to avoid the problems associated with over-exposure or under-exposure. Overexposure caused by strong light energy can cause damage to the underlying healthy tissue as well as local heating. Underexposure can lead to a recurrence of the disease if certain cells are not killed by the treatment. Diffusers of this type are already known, in particular the light diffuser described by American patent US-A-5, 536,265. This diffuser comprises an optical fiber, one end section of which has been stripped to the core, a first layer of a transparent elastic substance, a second layer of a material having light scattering properties, this assembly being contained. in a transparent tubular part constituting a protective sheath.
D'une part, ce diffuseur est de construction complexe. D'autre part, le tronçon d'extrémité de la fibre optique, qui a une longueur pouvant atteindre une dizaine de centimètres pour un diamètre de quelques centaines de microns, est extrêmement difficile à centrer à l'intérieur de la pièce tubulaire en raison de la souplesse de ces deux éléments. De ce fait, la deuxième couche faite d'un matériau ayant des propriétés diffusantes est irrégulière autour du coeur de la fibre dénudée qui constitue ce tronçon d'extrémité. Or les propriétés diffusantes sont liées notamment à l'épaisseur de matière diffusante entourant le coeur.On the one hand, this diffuser is of complex construction. On the other hand, the end section of the optical fiber, which has a length of up to ten centimeters for a diameter of a few hundred microns, is extremely difficult to center inside the tubular part because of the flexibility of these two elements. Therefore, the second layer made of a material having diffusing properties is irregular around the core of the stripped fiber which constitutes this end section. However, the diffusing properties are linked in particular to the thickness of diffusing material surrounding the core.
Pour obtenir une diffusion homogène de la lumière transmise par la fibre optique, il est essentiel que les particules diffusantes soient réparties de façon homogène et que l'épaisseur de la couche diffusante soit constante.To obtain a homogeneous diffusion of the light transmitted by the optical fiber, it is essential that the diffusing particles are distributed in a homogeneous manner and that the thickness of the diffusing layer is constant.
Exposé de l'invention La présente invention se propose de pallier les inconvénients de l'art antérieur en offrant un dispositif diffuseur répondant à ce but et dont la construction est simplifiée.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention proposes to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by offering a diffuser device meeting this goal and the construction of which is simplified.
A cet effet, le dispositif selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que ladite couche de substance diffusante de la lumière est constituée par une pièce tubulaire préfabriquée ayant des parois d'épaisseur constante, dans laquelle est engagé ledit tronçon d'extrémité de la fibre.To this end, the device according to the invention is characterized in that said layer of light-diffusing substance consists of a part prefabricated tubular having walls of constant thickness, in which is engaged said end section of the fiber.
Selon une forme de réalisation avantageuse, ladite pièce tubulaire est réalisée en un matériau thermoformable dans lequel sont incorporées des particules diffusantes ayant la propriété de diffuser la lumière, ces particules étant réparties de façon homogène dans ledit matériau thermoformable.According to an advantageous embodiment, said tubular part is made of a thermoformable material in which are incorporated diffusing particles having the property of diffusing light, these particles being distributed homogeneously in said thermoformable material.
De préférence, il comporte une couche d'un matériau transparent disposée entre la paroi extérieure du tronçon d'extrémité et la paroi intérieure de la pièce tubulaire.Preferably, it comprises a layer of transparent material disposed between the outer wall of the end section and the inner wall of the tubular part.
De façon avantageuse, le dispositif peut comporter à son extrémité distale un miroir agencé pour renvoyer dans la fibre la lumière sortant par la surface d'extrémité du tronçon de fibre.Advantageously, the device may include at its distal end a mirror arranged to return the light exiting through the end surface of the fiber section into the fiber.
La pièce tubulaire est obtenue de préférence par extrusion d'un segment tubulaire de grande longueur en matériau thermoformable contenant des particules diffusantes, et par découpe d'un tronçon de longueur prédéterminée.The tubular part is preferably obtained by extrusion of a very long tubular segment of thermoformable material containing diffusing particles, and by cutting a section of predetermined length.
La pièce tubulaire ayant des propriétés de diffusion forme avantageusement la gaine de protection extérieure du tronçon de fibre optique.The tubular part having diffusion properties advantageously forms the outer protective sheath of the section of optical fiber.
Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings
La présente invention sera mieux comprise en référence à la description d'un mode de réalisation préféré et au dessin annexé dans lequel la figure unique représente une vue en coupe de l'extrémité d'un dispositif diffuseur selon l'invention. Meilleure manière de réaliser l'inventionThe present invention will be better understood with reference to the description of a preferred embodiment and to the accompanying drawing in which the single figure shows a sectional view of the end of a diffuser device according to the invention. Best way to realize the invention
En référence à la figure, l'extrémité du dispositif diffuseur 10 se compose du tronçon d'extrémité d'une fibre optique 11 , formée d'un coeur 11a entouré d'un manteau 11b, logé dans une pièce tubulaire formant une gaine 12. Ce tronçon de la fibre 11 est maintenu en position dans la gaine 12 par une couche d'un matériau 13 disposée entre la paroi extérieure 14 du tronçon de fibre 11 et la paroi intérieure 15 de la gaine 12. Un miroir 16 logé dans la gaine 12 est plaqué contre la surface d'extrémité 17 du tronçon de fibre 11 et forme l'extrémité distale du diffuseur 10.With reference to the figure, the end of the diffuser device 10 consists of the end section of an optical fiber 11, formed of a core 11a surrounded by a mantle 11b, housed in a tubular piece forming a sheath 12. This section of the fiber 11 is held in position in the sheath 12 by a layer of a material 13 disposed between the outer wall 14 of the fiber section 11 and the inner wall 15 of the sheath 12. A mirror 16 housed in the sheath 12 is pressed against the end surface 17 of the fiber section 11 and forms the distal end of the diffuser 10.
Pour fabriquer ce diffuseur 10, on procède tout d'abord à une première étape qui consiste à détruire le manteau 11b de la fibre 11 sur une longueur L correspondant à la longueur de la partie diffusante du diffuseur 10, afin de permettre à une partie de la lumière de s'échapper hors du coeur de la fibre. Lorsque cette partie du manteau a été éliminée, la partie du coeur 11 a ainsi dénudée est rendue rugueuse.To manufacture this diffuser 10, a first step is carried out which consists in destroying the mantle 11b of the fiber 11 over a length L corresponding to the length of the diffusing part of the diffuser 10, in order to allow a part of the light to escape out of the fiber core. When this part of the mantle has been removed, the part of the core 11a thus stripped is made rough.
L'obtention de cette rugosité peut être se faire de différentes manières telles queObtaining this roughness can be done in different ways such as
- l'attaque par une substance chimique à l'aide d'un acide, d'une base ou d'un solvant,- attack by a chemical substance using an acid, a base or a solvent,
- l'attaque mécanique par abrasion, sablage ou enlèvement de copeaux,- mechanical attack by abrasion, sanding or removal of chips,
- l'attaque thermique au moyen d'air chaud, d'un outil chauffé ou d'un laser thermique, ou- thermal attack by means of hot air, a heated tool or a thermal laser, or
- l'usinage au laser à l'aide d'un laser excimère.- laser machining using an excimer laser.
Le procédé utilisé doit permettre le contrôle de la rugosité de manière à ce que la quantité de lumière qui s'échappe ainsi du coeur 11a de la fibre sur la longueur L corresponde au profil souhaité. Lors d'une deuxième étape, le tronçon de fibre 11 dénudé est enfilé dans une gaine extérieure 12. Cette gaine est d'une part destinée à protéger la fibre de l'action d'agents extérieurs, tels que les produits chimiques utilisés pour la désinfection du diffuseur avant et après son utilisation, et des chocs mécaniques pouvant se produire lors des manipulations, et d'autre part, à homogénéiser la distribution angulaire de la lumière s'échappant de la partie rugueuse de la fibre et qui obéit aux phénomènes de diffraction et de réfraction .The method used must allow the roughness to be controlled so that the quantity of light which thus escapes from the core 11a of the fiber over the length L corresponds to the desired profile. During a second step, the stripped fiber section 11 is threaded into an outer sheath 12. This sheath is on the one hand intended to protect the fiber from the action of external agents, such as the chemicals used for the disinfection of the diffuser before and after its use, and mechanical shocks which can occur during handling, and on the other hand, to homogenize the angular distribution of the light escaping from the rough part of the fiber and which obeys the phenomena of diffraction and refraction.
Pour obtenir cette homogénéisation, la gaine est réalisée en une matière thermoplastique dans laquelle sont noyées des particules d'une substance diffusante, lesdites particules ayant pour but de diffracter et/ou de réfracter la lumière émise par le tronçon de fibre 11 et de la rendre homogène. La substance utilisée est par exemple le dioxyde de titane (TiO2) qui est incorporé à la matière thermoplastique dans une proportion d'environ 1 %. La préparation du mélange de la substance diffusante et de la matière thermoplastique peut se faire en relativement grande quantité et de façon industrielle afin d'obtenir une répartition homogène des particules. Ce mélange est ensuite extrudé et un segment de grande longueur de gaine est thermoformée de manière connue en soi.To obtain this homogenization, the sheath is made of a thermoplastic material in which particles of a diffusing substance are embedded, said particles having the aim of diffracting and / or refracting the light emitted by the fiber section 11 and making it homogeneous. The substance used is for example titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) which is incorporated into the thermoplastic material in an amount of about 1%. The mixture of the diffusing substance and the thermoplastic material can be prepared in relatively large quantities and industrially in order to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the particles. This mixture is then extruded and a segment of long length of sheath is thermoformed in a manner known per se.
La gaine 12 ainsi obtenue présente une épaisseur de matière diffusante constante et peut être réalisée avec une grande précision. Des tronçons de gaine utilisables pour la réalisation de dispositifs diffuseurs sont découpés dans le segment de grande longueur, ce qui permet également de garantir une constance des caractéristiques optiques des tronçons ainsi obtenus.The sheath 12 thus obtained has a constant thickness of diffusing material and can be produced with great precision. Sheath sections which can be used for making diffusing devices are cut from the very long segment, which also makes it possible to guarantee consistency in the optical characteristics of the sections thus obtained.
La fibre 11 est maintenue dans la gaine 12 à l'aide d'une couche 13 d'un matériau de liaison transparent introduit entre la paroi extérieure 14 du tronçon de fibre 11 et la paroi intérieure 15 de la gaine 12. Le matériau généralement utilisé est du caoutchouc silicone transparent car il présente une excellente transmission optique. Son indice de réfraction est inférieur à celui du coeur de la fibre et ses qualités mécaniques sont bien connues. Néanmoins l'utilisation de tout autre matériau souple transparent dont l'indice de réfraction est faible peut être envisagé. L'épaisseur de la couche 13 n'est pas un facteur clé dans la réalisation du diffuseur selon l'invention car une épaisseur d'environ 630 nm suffit à garantir l'effet guide d'onde recherché. Grâce à son faible indice de réfraction, cette couche joue le rôle de manteau pour le coeur 11 a dénudé du tronçon d'extrémité de la fibre 11.The fiber 11 is held in the sheath 12 using a layer 13 of a transparent connecting material introduced between the outer wall 14 of the fiber section 11 and the inner wall 15 of the sheath 12. The material generally used is transparent silicone rubber because it has excellent optical transmission. Its refractive index is lower than that of the core of the fiber and its mechanical qualities are well known. However, the use of any other transparent flexible material with a low refractive index can be considered. The thickness of layer 13 is not a key factor in the production of the diffuser according to the invention because a thickness of approximately 630 nm is sufficient to guarantee the desired waveguide effect. Thanks to its low refractive index, this layer acts as a mantle for the core 11 exposed from the end section of the fiber 11.
Le miroir 16, dont la face réfléchissante est plaquée contre la surface d'extrémité 17 du tronçon de fibre 11 , permet de limiter les pertes de lumière à l'extrémité de la fibre en renvoyant dans la partie diffusante la lumière sortant par ladite surface d'extrémité 17.The mirror 16, the reflecting face of which is pressed against the end surface 17 of the fiber section 11, makes it possible to limit the losses of light at the end of the fiber by returning the light exiting through said surface d into the diffusing part. end 17.
L'avantage du diffuseur ainsi obtenu par rapport à celui qui fait l'objet du brevet américain cité en préambule est que l'épaisseur de la matière diffusante est toujours constante car la fabrication d'une gaine par extrusion d'une matière thermoplastique est bien maîtrisée. Dans le diffuseur de l'art antérieur, l'épaisseur de matière diffusante dépend du centrage de la fibre dans la gaine extérieure, ce qui est très difficile à contrôler, étant donné que la fibre et la gaine extérieure sont souples et que le centrage doit être obtenu sur une longueur pouvant aller jusqu'à 10 cm. La probabilité que la fibre touche la gaine extérieure en un point est grande, ce qui a pour conséquence d'avoir une épaisseur de matière diffusante très faible en ce point de contact, donc une moins bonne diffusion de la lumière. Dans le diffuseur selon l'invention, le centrage de la fibre dans la gaine n'est pas critique car l'épaisseur de la couche transparente 13 n'influence pas de façon significative la répartition de la lumière. De plus la construction de ce diffuseur est simplifiée car la gaine 12, qui est obtenue de façon standard, sert de gaine de protection extérieure tout en étant diffusante et permet ainsi la suppression d'une couche intermédiaire.The advantage of the diffuser thus obtained compared to that which is the subject of the American patent cited in the preamble is that the thickness of the diffusing material is always constant because the manufacture of a sheath by extrusion of a thermoplastic material is indeed mastered. In the diffuser of the prior art, the thickness of diffusing material depends on the centering of the fiber in the outer sheath, which is very difficult to control, since the fiber and the outer sheath are flexible and the centering must be obtained over a length of up to 10 cm. The probability that the fiber touches the outer sheath at a point is high, which has the consequence of having a very low thickness of diffusing material at this point of contact, and therefore less good diffusion of light. In the diffuser according to the invention, the centering of the fiber in the sheath is not critical since the thickness of the transparent layer 13 does not significantly influence the distribution of light. In addition, the construction of this diffuser is simplified because the sheath 12, which is obtained in a standard manner, serves as an external protective sheath while being diffusing and thus allows the removal of an intermediate layer.
Dans d'autres variantes de réalisation on peut prévoir que la gaine soit directement thermoformée autour de la fibre. On peut également prévoir de remplacer la couche de matériau transparent par une couche d'air et de fixer la fibre dans la gaine uniquement par des points de colle régulièrement espacés sur la paroi intérieure de la gaine. In other alternative embodiments it can be provided that the sheath is directly thermoformed around the fiber. Provision may also be made to replace the layer of transparent material with a layer of air and to fix the fiber in the sheath only with glue dots regularly spaced on the inner wall of the sheath.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif diffuseur de lumière utilisable notamment pour l'irradiation de tissus biologiques dans le cadre d'un traitement photodynamique, ce diffuseur (10) comportant un conducteur de lumière, en particulier une fibre optique (11 ) ayant un tronçon d'extrémité dénudé jusqu'au coeur (11a), ce tronçon d'extrémité étant entouré d'au moins une couche d'une substance diffusante ayant des propriétés de diffusion de la lumière circulant dans ledit conducteur de lumière, caractérisé en ce que ladite couche de substance ayant des propriétés de diffusion de la lumière est constituée par une pièce tubulaire préfabriquée (12) ayant des parois d'épaisseur constante, dans laquelle est engagé ledit tronçon d'extrémité de la fibre (11).1. A light diffusing device usable in particular for the irradiation of biological tissues in the context of a photodynamic treatment, this diffuser (10) comprising a light conductor, in particular an optical fiber (11) having a stripped end section to the core (11a), this end section being surrounded by at least one layer of a diffusing substance having properties for diffusing the light circulating in said light conductor, characterized in that said layer of substance having light scattering properties is constituted by a prefabricated tubular part (12) having walls of constant thickness, in which is engaged said end section of the fiber (11).
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que ladite pièce tubulaire (12) est réalisée en un matériau thermoformable dans lequel sont incorporées des particules diffusantes ayant la propriété de diffuser la lumière, ces particules étant réparties de façon homogène dans ledit matériau thermoformable.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular part (12) is made of a thermoformable material in which are incorporated diffusing particles having the property of diffusing light, these particles being distributed homogeneously in said thermoformable material .
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une couche (13) d'un matériau transparent disposée entre la paroi extérieure (14) du tronçon d'extrémité (11 ) et la paroi intérieure (15) de la pièce tubulaire (12).3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a layer (13) of a transparent material disposed between the outer wall (14) of the end section (11) and the inner wall (15) of the tubular part (12).
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte à son extrémité distale un miroir (16) agencé pour renvoyer dans la fibre la lumière sortant par la surface d'extrémité (17) du tronçon de fibre (11).4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at its distal end a mirror (16) arranged to return into the fiber the light exiting through the end surface (17) of the fiber section (11).
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la pièce tubulaire (12) est obtenue par extrusion d'un segment tubulaire de grande longueur en matériau thermoformable contenant des particules diffusantes, et par découpe d'un tronçon de longueur prédéterminée.5. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the tubular part (12) is obtained by extrusion of a tubular segment of large length in thermoformable material containing diffusing particles, and by cutting a section of predetermined length.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le matériau extrudé comporte environ 1 % en poids de particules diffusantes.6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the extruded material comprises approximately 1% by weight of diffusing particles.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que la pièce tubulaire (12) ayant des propriétés de diffusion forme la gaine de protection extérieure du tronçon de fibre (11). 7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular part (12) having diffusion properties forms the outer protective sheath of the fiber section (11).
PCT/CH1998/000371 1997-09-04 1998-08-28 Light diffusing device for photodynamic treatment of organs WO1999011323A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

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EP98939460A EP0935485B1 (en) 1997-09-04 1998-08-28 Light diffusing device for photodynamic treatment of organs
DE69831211T DE69831211T2 (en) 1997-09-04 1998-08-28 LIGHT DIFFUSION DEVICE FOR THE PHOTODYNAMIC IRRADIATION OF ORGANS
US09/297,360 US6315775B1 (en) 1997-09-04 1998-08-28 Light diffusing device for photodynamic treatment of organs

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR97/11254 1997-09-04
FR9711254A FR2767704A1 (en) 1997-09-04 1997-09-04 LIGHT DIFFUSER DEVICE FOR PHOTODYNAMIC TREATMENT OF ORGANS

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DE69831211D1 (en) 2005-09-22
US6315775B1 (en) 2001-11-13
DE69831211T2 (en) 2006-06-01
FR2767704A1 (en) 1999-02-26
EP0935485A1 (en) 1999-08-18

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